The excitement for theNintendo Switch 2console is currently walking a fine line, with some in the gaming community loving the idea of it and others upset about its price and launch games. This system has been a long time coming, and many anxiously await its June release date to try out its new features. Nintendo’s original Switch is one of the best-selling consoles of all time, which can set a pretty high standard for the Switch 2, yet it seems that Nintendo may have overlooked one of the biggest reasons why the Switch has done so well.
The recent Nintendo Switch Direct and subsequent Nintendo Treehouse caused amix of reactions from its eager audience. While the disappointment at the price of the console is one of the biggest contributors to the negativity, there was also ageneral feeling of disappointment among many who were hoping for a different variety of gamesto be announced at launch. Of course, seeing titles likeHogwarts LegacyorCyberpunk 2077is great, but they aren’t really new or even what many in the Nintendo Switch community are looking for.
Nintendo’s Cozy Community Is Well Established
Many Fans Of The Genre Exclusively Play On The Switch
Though few things about the COVID-19 pandemic could be considered as good, its timing with the release ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonshelped to put the Nintendo Switch in the minds of manywho may not have played many games previously. The cozy community as a whole blossomed during this time, and has centered heavily around the Switch itself. While many have moved to include Steam for their gaming systems in addition to Switch, Nintendo has continued to be at the center of this group.
Some Animal Crossing Fans Feel Abandoned After Switch 2 Direct, While Others Aren’t Surprised
Nintendo hasn’t revealed any future plans for the popular Animal Crossing franchise despite emphasizing many first-party games during Switch 2 Direct.
While the PS5 and Xbox include more of the traditional shooters or action-heavy adventure games, many of which struggle to run on the hardware of the Nintendo Switch, the more relaxing cozy genre has been a perfect fit. Cozy games, whether indie titles or AAA games, not only run well on the Switch but have a fanbase already there. This includes manycozy streamers who have focused exclusively on Switchgaming for their content.
The Switch 2 Direct Focused Heavily On Games Like Elden Ring
Seemingly Competing With PS5 And Xbox For The General Market
Nintendo’s special Switch 2 Direct was held on June 06, 2025, and not only highlighted what we can expect from the hardware of the system, but also proudlydisplayed many of its launch titlesand other games coming to the console.Many cozy gaming streamers held live reaction streamsfor the announcements, including several like popular cozy streamerNintenTalkwho were live for hours prior to the Direct in anticipation and building hype.
Though many already suspected that there would not be an announcement for a newAnimal Crossingat this Direct, they still came away a bit disappointed with the focus that Nintendo took. Few games that fall into the cozy genre were showcased, while many others likeCyberpunk 2077,Elden Ring, andHogwarts Legacy, that are already established on other platforms were shown. This felt like an odd choice, particularly with therelease date of the Switch 2 lining up perfectly with several large cozy titles.
Summer 2025 Is Already Overflowing With Cozy Games
A Perfect Situation For Nintendo To Highlight Its System For More Relaxed Gameplay
Naturally, having announcements of games likeDuskbloodsis important, yet the timing of theSwitch 2’s release this June already lines up perfectly with an overwhelming number of highly-anticipated cozy games.Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Timewill releasejust prior to the Switch 2, as it is currently scheduled to be coming at the end of May.Rune Factory: Guardians of Azumawill launch the same day as the console,Tales of the Shirewill be released in July, andStory of Seasons: Grand Bazaarin August.
Tamagotchi Is Taking On Animal Crossing & Disney Dreamlight Valley In New Game Tamagotchi Plaza
Nintendo announced Tamagotchi Plaza for the Nintendo Switch, with life-sim elements, over 100 Tamagotchi, mini-games, and more for players to enjoy.
Perhaps most surprising was the announcement ofTamagotchi Plazawhich will release in June, yet its debut was highlighted by Nintendo at the Switch 1 Direct,which occurred the week before the Switch 2 Direct. This game could have been featured as a new cozy game for the Switch 2 with an added note that it will also come to the original Switch, yet Nintendo chose not to take that route.
Simply having something to give a nod of appreciation or awareness to this corner of the market may have helped to confirm to many of these Switch owners that it will be worth them making the investment to get the next console.
Numerous other games in the more relaxed genre of cozy gaming are alsoscheduled to be launching this summer, from big developers and indies alike. Though some were briefly shown in snippets during the Switch 2 Direct, they could have been organized into a segment geared to this community for greater effect. Simply having something to give a nod of appreciation or awareness to this corner of the marketmay have helped to confirm to many of these Switch owners that it will be worth them making the investmentto get the next console.
Nintendo Shouldn’t Ignore The Cozy Audience For The Switch 2
Even Without A New Animal Crossing, This Community Is Ready For More
While the Nintendo Switch 2 clearly needs to make itself desirable to a wide market of consumers to compete in the console market as a whole, it could have done a better job of appealing to its current community of cozy gamers.Even simply having a portion of the Direct aimed at this section of its fanbase would have gone a long wayto securing those who are already loyal to the Switch, but currently don’t see any reason to upgrade. The Switch 2 has big shoes to fill, and already seems to have made some waves with its high price point, but even this can be overlooked in cases where people are able to see the value they will personally receive in making the purchase.
Nintendo made a big mistake by not quickly securing the hearts of its current large cozy gaming community.Though many, like myself, will still be eagerly purchasing the Switch 2 and are waiting for the cozy games that are coming soon, there is little reason for this community as a whole to make the expensive upgrade to Switch 2 from the Switch. ShowcasingTamagotchi Plazafor the current Switch seems to only confirm that idea. There is plenty coming to the Switch and little reason to spend the extra money on theNintendo Switch 2right now for the cozy gaming community.
